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Many <a href="https://inhabitat.com/tag/houseboat/" target="_blank">houseboats</a> are forced to compromise comfort and space for the romantic lifestyle of living on the water, but this beautiful floating Dutch home by <a href="http://www.bytr.nl" target="_blank">BYTR Architects</a> makes no such tradeoff. Moored next to a lush seventeenth-century park in Utrecht, the ParkArk is a copper and timber clad houseboat with a facade that belies its spacious and light-filled interior. The Rotterdam-based firm’s skillful placement of windows and openings maximizes views of the neighboring park and water while maintaining a sense of privacy.

1

ParkArk by BYTR Architects

A footbridge connects ParkArk to the neighboring cycling path.

2

ParkArk by BYTR Architects

An external staircase leads to a vegetated roof and terrace installed with white stucco to make the outdoor room look like a continuation of the interior.

3

ParkArk by BYTR Architects

A large skylight placed in the center of the green roof streams daylight and views of the tree canopy into the house.

4

ParkArk by BYTR Architects

The architects used 3D modeling to carefully map out the design details to ensure equal weight distribution.

5

ParkArk by BYTR Architects

The open plan living and dining rooms are painted bone-white and lined with light-colored French oak floorboards to create the illusion of spaciousness.

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ParkArk by BYTR Architects

Drainpipes were also installed in every corner to prevent rainwater from pooling on the rooftop and tilting the boat.

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ParkArk by BYTR Architects

The kitchen floor was made with poured concrete.

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ParkArk by BYTR Architects

Many houseboats are forced to compromise comfort and space for the romantic lifestyle of living on the water, but this beautiful floating Dutch home by BYTR Architects makes no such tradeoff. Moored next to a lush seventeenth-century park in Utrecht, the ParkArk is a copper and timber clad houseboat with a facade that belies its spacious and light-filled interior. The Rotterdam-based firm’s skillful placement of windows and openings maximizes views of the neighboring park and water while maintaining a sense of privacy.